No longer a blank cheque: a narrative scoping review of physician awareness of cost.

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare costs have been steadily rising, and attention to cost containment in healthcare systems is increasingly important. It has been previously established that physicians lack adequate awareness of cost in health care and that by increasing awareness, costs can be reduced. This scoping review examines cost awareness of medications, investigations and procedures and identifies potential interventions that may serve to improve physician awareness. STUDY DESIGN: A scoping review was performed to evaluate the literature based on established Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. METHODS: A review of electronic databases was performed for studies regarding physician awareness of cost, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar. RESULTS: An initial 4350 citations were identified, and 76 articles were included for full text analysis. Combined, these studies assessed 18,901 physicians. The overwhelming majority (91%) found cost awareness in physicians was low and demonstrated significant room for cost reduction. Eighteen of the 76 studies assessed an intervention to improve physician awareness of cost and used either a price list (89%) or a teaching session (11%) as the primary intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Research demonstrates that there is still a lack of awareness among physicians of the costs of medications, investigations and procedures/consumables. Initial approaches using price display and teaching sessions have shown promise. Further research into best practices for education around cost, beginning in medical school and continuing into established medical and surgical practices, may lead to increased cost savings in health care.

Coronavirus disease 2019 related parosmia: an exploratory survey of demographics and treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, therapeutic efficacy and symptom time course of post-coronavirus disease 2019 parosmia. METHODS: A 22-item online questionnaire was distributed to AbScent research group and Facebook coronavirus disease 2019 anosmia group adult members to assess clinical features, interventions and their subjective efficacy for parosmia. RESULTS: A total of 209 participants (86 per cent females) reported: smell loss on average 3 days after coronavirus symptoms, recovery 4 weeks later, and first parosmia symptoms 12 weeks post infection. Respondents reported 10 per cent body weight loss, and listed onion and garlic as significant parosmia triggers. Regarding quality of life, depression was the most cited item (54 per cent). Smell training was trialled by 74 per cent of participants, followed by nasal corticosteroid spray (49 per cent). Stellate ganglion block, trialled by 16 per cent of respondents, had the highest reported improvement (45 per cent), with 21 per cent reporting a sustained benefit - the highest rate amongst registered treatment options. CONCLUSION: Post-coronavirus parosmia has a significant impact and remains challenging to treat. Stellate ganglion block appears to be successful relative to other reported treatments. Further research into the pathophysiology, efficacy and mechanism of stellate ganglion block effect is warranted.

The UK national registry of ENT surgeons with coronavirus disease 2019: one year on.

OBJECTIVES: To report the one-year findings of the UK national registry of ENT surgeons with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, and the results of a survey on the coronavirus disease 2019 experience of UK ENT trainees. METHOD: An online registry was created in April 2020. A separate survey was circulated electronically to all members of the Association of Otolaryngologists in Training. RESULTS: The registry recorded 98 clinicians with confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019. The majority of infections were reported in the first wave of spring 2020. Two ENT surgeons were hospitalised and one died. The majority suspected workplace exposure, with a significant proportion attributing this to a lack of personal protective equipment at a time before formal guidance had been introduced. Of the ENT trainees surveyed, almost one-third believed that they had contracted coronavirus disease 2019. CONCLUSION: This highlights the importance of ongoing risk-reduction measures, including optimal personal protective equipment and vaccination.

Revised recommendations from the CSO-HNS taskforce on performance of tracheotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic - what a difference a year makes.

BACKGROUND: During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (CSO-HNS) task force published recommendations on performance of tracheotomy. Since then, our understanding of the virus has evolved with ongoing intensive research efforts. New literature has helped us better understand various aspects including patient outcomes and health care worker (HCW) risks associated with tracheotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the task force has re-evaluated and revised some of the previous recommendations. MAIN BODY: Based on recent evidence, a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 swab status is no longer the main deciding factor in the timing of tracheotomy. Instead, tracheotomy may be considered as soon as COVID-19 swab positive patients are greater than 20 days beyond initial symptoms and 2 weeks of mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, both open and percutaneous surgical techniques may be considered with both techniques showing similar safety and outcome profiles. Additional recommendations with discussion of current evidence are presented. CONCLUSION: These revised recommendations apply new evidence in optimizing patient and health care system outcomes as well as minimizing risks of COVID-19 transmission during aerosol-generating tracheotomy procedures. As previously noted, additional evidence may lead to further evolution of these and other similar recommendations.

Canadian Rhinology Working Group consensus statement: biologic therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that biologic therapy with targeted activity within the Type 2 inflammatory pathway can improve the clinical signs and symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). There remains a population in CRSwNP that despite medical therapy and endoscopic sinus surgery have persistent signs and symptoms of disease. Therefore, biologics, monoclonal antibody agents, could be beneficial therapeutic treatments for these patients. There have been eight randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trails performed for CRSwNP targeted components of the Type 2 inflammatory pathway, notably interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, IL-5R, IL-33, and immunoglobulin (Ig)E. However, there are no formal recommendations for the optimal use of biologics in managing Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) within the Canadian health care environment. METHODS: A Delphi Method process was utilized involving three rounds of questionnaires in which the first two were completed individually online and the third was discussed on a virtual platform with all the panelists. 17 fellowship trained rhinologists across Canada evaluated the 28 original statements on a scale of 1-10 and provided comments. A rating within 1-3 indicated disagreement, 8-10 demonstrated agreement and 4-7 represented being neutral towards a statement. All ratings were quantitively reviewed by mean, median, mode, range and standard deviation. Consensus was defined by removing the highest and lowest of the scores and using the "3 point relaxed system". RESULTS: After three rounds, a total of 11 statements achieved consensus. This white paper only contains the final agreed upon statements and clear rationale and support for the statements regarding the use of biologics in patients with CRS. CONCLUSION: This white paper provides guidance to Canadian physicians on the use of biologic therapy for the management of patients with CRS, but the medical and surgical regimen should ultimately be individualized to the patient. As more biologics become available and additional trials are published we will provide updated versions of this white paper every few years.

CSO (Canadian Society of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery) position paper on return to Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Clinic Practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created a worldwide deadly pandemic that has become a major public health challenge. All semi-urgent and elective medical care has come to a halt to conserve capacity to care for patients during this pandemic. As the numbers of COVID-19 cases decrease across Canada, our healthcare system also began to reopen various facilities and medical offices. The aim for this document is to compile the current evidence and provide expert consensus on the safe return to clinic practice in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. These recommendations will also summarize general precaution principles and practical tips for office across Canada to optimize patient and provider safety. Risk assessment and patient selection are crucial to minimizing exposure to COVID-19. Controversial topics such as COVID-19 mode of transmission, duration of exposure, personal protective equipment, and aerosol-generating procedures will be analyzed and discussed. Practical solutions of pre-visit office preparation, front office and examination room set-up, and check out procedures are explored. Specific considerations for audiology, pediatric population, and high risk AGMPs are also addressed. Given that the literature surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, these guidelines will serve to start our specialty back into practice over the next weeks to months and they may change as we learn more about this disease.

The UK national registry of ENT surgeons with coronavirus disease 2019.

BACKGROUND: ENT surgeons are likely to be at high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 exposure. METHODS: A national registry of UK ENT surgeons with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 was created with the support of ENT UK. Voluntary entry was made by either the affected individual or a colleague, using a web-based platform. RESULTS: A four-month data collection period is reported, comprising 73 individuals. Coronavirus disease 2019 was test-confirmed in 35 respondents (47.9 per cent). There was a need for hospitalisation in two cases (2.7 per cent) and tragically one individual died. Symptom onset peaked in March. The majority suspected their exposure to have been in the workplace, with a significant proportion attributing their disease to a lack of personal protective equipment at a time before formal guidance had been introduced. CONCLUSION: The registry suggests that a significant number of ENT clinicians in the UK have contracted coronavirus disease 2019, and supports the need for tailored personal protective equipment guidance and service planning.

Patterns of smell recovery in 751 patients affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post-viral olfactory dysfunction is well established and has been shown to be a key symptom of COVID-19 with more than 66% of European and US patients reporting some degree of loss of smell. Persistent olfactory dysfunction appears to be commonplace and will drive the demand for general practitioner, otolaryngology or neurology consultation in the next few months - evidence regarding recovery will be essential in counselling our patients. METHODS: This was a prospective survey-based data collection and telemedicine follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 751 patients completed the study, of whom 477 were females and 274 males. The mean age of the patients was 41 ± 13 years (range 18-60). There were 621 patients (83%) who subjectively reported a total loss of smell and 130 (17%) a partial loss. After a mean follow-up of 47 ± 7 days (range 30-71) from the first consultation, 277 (37%) patients still reported a persistent subjective loss of smell, 107 (14%) reported partial recovery and 367 (49%) reported complete recovery. The mean duration of the olfactory dysfunction was 10 ± 6 days (range 3-31) in those patients who completely recovered and 12 ± 8 days (range 7-35) in those patients who partially recovered. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, at this relatively early point in the pandemic, subjective patterns of recovery of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients are valuable for our patients, for hypothesis generation and for treatment development.

Intra-operative nasal compression after lateral osteotomy to minimize post-operative Peri-orbital ecchymosis and edema.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative periorbital ecchymosis and edema following rhinoplasty is a well-known sequela of surgery. Unfortunately, this can be a source of distress for patients, resulting in a longer post-operative recovery time and a delayed return to work. Trauma caused by lateral osteotomies is likely the most significant cause of periorbital edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty. There have been various strategies proposed to minimize swelling and ecchymosis with varying success rates and accompanied risks. Intraoperative nasal compression is one potential strategy that may reduce post-operative edema and ecchymosis with minimal risk. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether applying direct lateral nasal pressure intraoperatively immediately after performing lateral osteotomies reduces visible post-operative edema and ecchymosis. METHODS: A prospective, randomized blinded study on consecutive patients undergoing rhinoplasty with lateral osteotomies was conducted in a single academic tertiary care medical center. Each of the participants were randomized into direct pressure application post-lateral osteotomies on the right or the left hand side. Intra-operatively, direct lateral nasal pressure was performed on the pre-determined side for 5 min timed by stopwatch after osteotomy. Post-operatively, standard photographs were taken of the patient on post-operative days 1, 3, and 7. These photographs were then shown to 20 blinded-physicians and the degree of ecchymosis and edema was graded using a previously published scale. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were included in this study. Based on our blinded-grading, 11 of the 16 patients had a clear global improvement in the degree of peri-orbital post-operative edema and ecchymosis with compression post lateral osteotomies. Based on the 3 blinded expert reviewers, Periorbital ecchymosis was significantly decreased on the ipsilateral side of pressure application in 10 of the 16 patients, and periorbital edema was significantly decreased in 13 of the 16 patients. The differential degree in periorbital ecchymosis was most pronounced on post-operative day 7. Patient factors such as gender, age, skin color, history of nasal trauma, side of pre-operative nasal deviation, and smoking status did not have a significant influence on the effect of pressure application post lateral osteotomies. CONCLUSIONS: Application of direct continual lateral nasal pressure intraoperatively after performing lateral osteotomies can help reduce post-operative edema and ecchymosis up to post-operative day 7. This may lead to an overall improved appearance and subsequently an improved post-operative experience for the patient. Although the effect may be variable to some degree, this is an intervention with no additional risks involved and thus can be used in a safe manner.

Urgent endoscopic orbital decompression for vision deterioration in dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

AIMS: To report visual acuity outcomes and potential complications in patients undergoing endoscopic transnasal orbital decompression in the setting of acutely deteriorating sight secondary to dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) unresponsive to corticosteroid therapy. No previous reports describe vision outcomes in this specific patient population undergoing urgent endoscopic decompression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective case review at a tertiary-care academic hospital. Four patients with DON were identified that underwent urgent endoscopic orbital decompression for acutely deteriorating vision. Three patients underwent a later decompression of the other orbit, yielding seven decompressions in total for acutely deteriorating vision. Operative technique entailed inferior and medial wall decompressions. The posterior limit of medial wall decompression was within the sphenoid, just anterior to the annulus of Zinn to fully decompress the optic nerve. Primary outcome was visual acuity. RESULTS: In all seven decompressions, visual acuity improved substantially. In 5/7 eyes, preoperative vision was severely impaired at 20/150 or worse. Two eyes had mild and moderate impairment at 20/50 and 20/100. Post-operatively, the moderately and severely impaired eyes improved to 20/60 or better. No complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression is a safe, effective treatment for acutely worsening visual loss from DON. All cases demonstrated significant objective improvement in visual acuity. Given the need for later contralateral decompression in 3 patients, consideration should be given to performing bilateral orbital decompressions at the time of surgery.

The use of standardized order sets to improve adherence to evidence-based postoperative management in major head and neck surgery.

BACKGROUND: Standardized order sets (SOSs) are clinical tools derived from clinical care pathways that have shown improved patient-recovery and economic benefits. The primary objective was to examine the effect of SOSs on adherence to evidence-based postoperative guidelines for laryngectomy patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review comparing handwritten and SOS-based postoperative physician orders was conducted for consecutive laryngectomies performed (n=70) within a 3-year time period. Orders were analyzed for errors and deviations from evidence-based guidelines. Secondary outcome included complications such as thromboembolic disease, return to operating room, fistula formation, salivary bypass tube, length of hospital stay and death. RESULTS: Approximately 81% of cases utilizing handwritten orders had at least one error (n=36) compared to 38% in the group that used an SOS (n=34) (P<0.0001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that errors in mechanical deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (P<0.0001) and antibiotic prophylaxis (P=0.0173) orders were significantly reduced in the SOS group compared to the handwritten group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for measured postoperative complications (P>0.05) and length of hospital stay (18.6 days in both SOS and handwritten orders groups). CONCLUSIONS: SOSs are associated with reduced errors in postoperative orders. They are important tools to improve adherence to standardized guidelines for surgeries requiring complex postoperative management. Clinical care pathways and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols can use SOSs to ensure appropriate orders are being made.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris-like erythroderma secondary to phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors are a class of small-molecule inhibitors approved for the treatment of certain leukaemias and lymphomas. Their dermatological adverse event profile is poorly described. AIM: To characterize a rare cutaneous adverse event from PI3K inhibitors in order to help dermatologists and oncologists identify and effectively manage such eruptions. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients receiving PI3K inhibitors referred to the Skin Toxicities Program in The Center for Cutaneous Oncology. RESULTS: Three patients on PI3K inhibitors for treatment of malignancy developed diffuse erythroderma and keratoderma. Clinical and histopathological findings were consistent with pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)-like reactions. All patients improved with topical and oral corticosteroids, oral acitretin, and drug discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: PRP-like cutaneous eruptions may develop secondary to PI3K inhibition. Early dermatological evaluation of cutaneous toxicities to PI3K inhibitors as well as rapid initiation of disease-specific treatments may help keep patients on life-prolonging anti-cancer therapies.

International survey and consensus (ICON) on ambulatory surgery in rhinology.

OBJECTIVES: Day-case surgery is the gold standard to several surgical procedures in Rhinology. However, few data and guidelines have been published except in the Anglo-Saxon countries and France. The aim of this survey was to propose a list of issues arising during day-case surgery in order to analyze the different constraints encountered around the world. MATERIAL AND METHOD: It was a prospective multicenter international email survey. The method was based on the formalized expert consensus methodology. A list of 11 issues was based on literature data and was sent by e-mail to 265 key opinion leaders (KOL) who attended the IFOS congress. RESULTS: The response rate was 20% from 27 countries without statistical difference between continents concerning the score on each item. The mean age of KOL was 50±10 years. Their mean length of experience was 21±10 years. Issues in relation with technical resources and experience showed that the last time at which ambulatory surgery in the day is possible was 4:00 PM but responses varied depending the availability of technical resources. Bleeding or hematoma occurred most frequently between the third and fourth postoperative day whatever the surgical procedure. A strong agreement and consensus was obtained concerning the nasal packing, septal contention and their schedule of removal which were not a contraindication of day-case. Also 75% of participants were agreeing with a therapeutic education program to improve the performance of postoperative care and decrease readmission rates. A relative agreement without consensus were obtained for the distance between the day-case unit and home, the role of surgery duration and the impact of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drugs in overnight admission and readmission rates. CONCLUSION: Practice varies widely owing to local organization constraints and the availability of a dedicated day-case unit seems to be the main limiting factor.

Comparing surgical trays with redundant instruments with trays with reduced instruments: a cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: When prearranged standard surgical trays contain instruments that are repeatedly unused, the redundancy can result in unnecessary health care costs. Our objective was to estimate potential savings by performing an economic evaluation comparing the cost of surgical trays with redundant instruments with surgical trays with reduced instruments ("reduced trays"). METHODS: We performed a cost-analysis from the hospital perspective over a 1-year period. Using a mathematical model, we compared the direct costs of trays containing redundant instruments to reduced trays for 5 otolaryngology procedures. We incorporated data from several sources including local hospital data on surgical volume, the number of instruments on redundant and reduced trays, wages of personnel and time required to pack instruments. From the literature, we incorporated instrument depreciation costs and the time required to decontaminate an instrument. We performed 1-way sensitivity analyses on all variables, including surgical volume. Costs were estimated in 2013 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: The cost of redundant trays was $21 806 and the cost of reduced trays was $8803, for a 1-year cost saving of $13 003. In sensitivity analyses, cost savings ranged from $3262 to $21 395, based on the surgical volume at the institution. Variation in surgical volume resulted in a wider range of estimates, with a minimum of $3253 for low-volume to a maximum of $52 012 for high-volume institutions. INTERPRETATION: Our study suggests moderate savings may be achieved by reducing surgical tray redundancy and, if applied to other surgical specialties, may result in savings to Canadian health care systems.

Squeeze bottle versus saline spray after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a pilot multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for controlled trials to guide the perioperative management of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The authors performed a pilot multicenter trial to compare two types of saline delivery devices in this population. METHODS: Patients were randomized to high volume saline irrigation with a squeeze bottle and low volume saline spray after ESS in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Surgeons were blinded to treatment, and one-month postoperative scores for sinonasal outcomes [Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22)] scale, nasal and sinus symptom score (NSS), and perioperative sinus endoscopy (POSE) scale were compared with preoperative scores. RESULTS: Nine centers provided data for 86 patients. All three outcomes measures improved significantly for both groups. Saline spray: SNOT-22 48.8 versus. 23.7, treatment effect 25.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.9-32.2), POSE 21.1 versus. 8.4, treatment effect 12.7 (95% CI, 9.2-16.1), and NSS 8.2 versus 5.0, treatment effect 3.1 (95% CI, 1.4-4.9) pre- and postoperatively, respectively (all p < 0.0001). Squeeze bottle: SNOT-22 49.5 versus 23.6, treatment effect 25.9 (95% CI, 20.3-31.6), POSE 18.6 versus 9.2, treatment effect 9.3, (95% CI 6.7-12.0), and NSS 9.0 versus 5.7, treatment effect 3.3 (95% CI, 2.3-4.3) pre- and postoperatively, respectively (all p < 0.0001). Analysis of variance did not identify a difference between the two treatment groups. Subgroup analysis based on preoperative disease severity did not change the nonassociation of saline bottle with outcome measures. Post hoc sample size calculation determined that 176 patients is required to detect an 8.9-point difference in SNOT-22 scores. CONCLUSION: In this pilot multicenter trial examining patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing ESS, both squeeze bottle and saline spray showed significant improvement in SNOT-22, POSE, and NSS scores at one-month postoperatively. Because the study was nonpowered, we cannot rule out a potential difference between the two treatment groups.